The area’s three state representatives and senator took time out of their spring legislative break to share reports from the Capitol on Missouri’s divisive Medicaid expansion debate, current legislative measures and efforts to represent northern Missouri’s more rural interests in the face of urban interests in Jefferson City.

Walker, who joked that a year ago he didn’t even know he’d be a candidate much less re-elected to the state house after decades of the private sector, zeroed in on the debate over Medicaid expansion in Missouri. He acknowledged that the plan to increase Medicaid’s rolls by about 260,000 Missourians by utilizing federal funds through 2019 is broadly supported by medical professionals and healthcare institutions but said he was still hesitant to back a plan that relies on the federal government for future funding.

“There is the possibility we will reach a compromise,” he told about 25 people Friday morning, noting that both the Senate and House measures to expand Medicaid appeared at an impasse. “But nothing is dead in the legislature until we adjourn.”

Walker said he is still undecided on whether to be for or against the proposition which has garnered support from Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, in addition to local entities like the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kirksville-Regional Economic Development, Inc.

“This is an issue that comes from our federal government,” he said. “The Obamacare, or Affordable Care Act, has created that challenge for the states.”

Redmon, who also represents portions of Adair County due to drastic redistricting done last year ahead of the general election, said he too is not supporting the expansion, citing his participation on the House budget committee that did not include the hundreds of millions necessary to match federal funds in the state budget.

“We did not allow for the Medicaid expansion in the budget,” he said. “But that can always be changed. We didn’t think it would be prudent to count on money and then have to back it out.”

Redmon said with little progress on a proposed 1-cent sales tax to support the state’s transportation needs, he saw few prospects that the measure would even go to the voters for approval.

Munzlinger detailed his committee participation and legislative involvement, including several measures he sponsored that are awaiting House action like a measure that allows youth family members to work on family farms.

“It’s been quite a year,” he said.

Page 2 of 2 - Munzlinger also highlighted a focus on career and technical education and efforts on tort reform regarding nuisance lawsuits.

With all three lawmaker hailing from the more rural districts of northeast Missouri, the debates in Jefferson City come down to more population alignment rather than politics, Walker added.

“Most of the time, it’s still urban versus rural,” Walker said, citing a recent fight over prevailing wage that was not split along party lines. “It’s really issue by issue.”

The next event in the Government in Focus series by the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce is the State of the Judiciary, for 8 a.m. April 19 at the Adair County Annex.